Electrically operated hatch roofs

Abstract

An electrically operated "hatch" roof assembly for mounting in automobiles includes a pair of opposed "hatch" glass panels. The panels move between a closed position, which is flush with the roof of the vehicle and an open or retracted position, wherein the panels nest beneath one another centrally of the roof. A roof support section has a pair of opposed tracks in which are slidably mounted the panels. The panels, when inboard, nest beneath the support section. Electrically powered lifter mechanisms transport the hatch roof panels between the inboard and outboard positions.

Having, thus, described the invention what is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a vehicle having a pair of opposed roof openings formed laterally from a central roof support section, a sliding roof assembly therefor, comprising: (a) a frane assembly, comprising: (1) a pair of opposed upstanding side walls secured to the vehicle,   (2) first and second channels formed in each side wall, one channel being vertically and laterally displaced from the other channel, a portion of one channel overlying the other channel, the first channel of each side wall defining a first track and the second channel of each side wall cooperating to define a second track,     (b) first and second viewing panel assemblies, the first assembly being adapted for sliding movement in the first track between an inboard and an outboard position, the second assembly being adapted for sliding movement in the second track between an inboard and an outboard position,   (c) slidable support means having the viewing panel assemblies connected thereto and disposed in the tracks for supporting the inboard ends of the glass panel assemblies,   (d) power-operated drive means for each support means and connected thereto for selectively sliding the associated panel assembly between the inboard and positions and position intermediate thereof, and   (e) means for limiting the outboard movement of each panel disposed in each track.   
     
     
       2. The sliding roof assembly of claim 1 wherein the drive means comprises: (a) a reversible motor,   (b) a bevel gear connected to the output of the motor, and   (c) a drive cable having one end secured to the associated support means and the other end engageable with the bevel gear, the intermediate portion of the cable engaging the associated roof panel such that the panel assembly moves in response to rotation of the bevel gear.   
     
     
       3. The sliding roof assembly of claim 1 wherein each slidable support means comprises: (a) a slide plate disposed in the associated track,   (b) a link pivotally rotatable connected to the slide plate, the link being pivotally rotatable between a horizontal and a vertical position, and   (c) a bracket adjustably mounted to the link, the bracket being secured to the associated roof panel.   
     
     
       4. The sliding roof assembly of claim 1 wherein the frame assembly further comprises: a support panel interconnecting the side walls and dimensioned to be coincident with a support section of the vehicle.   
     
     
       5. The sliding roof assembly of claim 4 which further comprises: (a) an inboard stop disposed in each channel, and   (b) a camming surface disposed in each channel.   
     
     
       6. The sliding roof assembly of claim 5 which further comprises: a first support means slidably mounted in each channel.   
     
     
       7. The sliding roof assembly of claim 6 wherein each support means comprises: (a) a slide plate disposed in the associated channel,   (b) a link pivotally rotatably connected to the slide plate, the link being rotatable through a 90° arc defined by a horizontal position nested in the channel and a vertical position perpendicular to the channel,   (c) a pin affixed to the slide plate and projecting outwardly therefrom, the pin being engageable with the stop to limit the inboard movement of the support means,   (d) an adjustable bracket connected to the toggle and having an inboard portion of an associated roof panel assembly connected thereto, and wherein the camming surface urges the link to the vertical position upon engagement therebetween.     
     
     
       8. The sliding roof assembly of claim 4 which further comprises: (a) a bifurcated track formed integrally with each channel, and   (b) a pair of opposed track guides secured to each glass roof panel assembly proximate the outboard ends thereof, the track guides being engageable with the associated bifurcated track to support the outboard ends of the panel during the sliding movement thereof.   
     
     
       9. The sliding roof assembly of claim 1 wherein: the panel assemblies nest beneath the support section, in overlying relationship, when each is in a fully inboard position.